Welcome to Australia: Intersections between immigration and tourism in Australia, 1945-2015

Abstract

The second half of the twentieth century was characterised by drastic changes in the nature of immigration and the growth of mass tourism, leading to the two forms of mobility to become increasingly interconnected. However, much of the work in this area has been concerned with the contemporary implications of these ‘new forms of mobility’. This thesis argues that there is a need to look backwards, and beyond simply a concern with these new forms of mobility, to examine the ways tourism and immigration have intersected and influenced each other historically, at least through the second half of the twentieth century. In doing so, this thesis demonstrates how tourism and holiday-making have shaped the migrant experience, and conversely how immigration has changed the tourist image of Australia. This thesis argues that re-establishing the connection between tourism and immigration provides insights within three broad areas: mobilities, national identity and hospitality. Firstly, through the use of memoirs and autobiographies it shows how some migrants approached Australia with a sense of touristic curiosity that allowed them to negotiate their understanding of Australia and their new identity as ‘Australians’. Secondly, it demonstrates the role tourism has played in creating an appealing image of the nation for migrants, and subsequently, how migrants have become part of an image of Australia presented to domestic and international audiences. It argues that this shift has had important ramifications for multicultural policy, moving it away from its welfare and social justice roots. And thirdly, this thesis argues that tourism has had an important influence on the negotiation of national hospitality. This has resulted in tensions between the desire to present a welcoming tourist image and the realities of immigration restrictions; and equally between the desire to welcome outsiders and attempts to shape their behaviour. Together these three arguments demonstrate the need to more carefully explore past connections between tourism and immigration in order to better understand their continued relationship in the present.